Chiropractic is usually associated to the treatment of back pain, joint pains, and back injuries. But did you know chiropractic is also an alternative treatment for chronic ear infections and insomnia? But before discussing the less known functions of chiropractors, it is important to at least understand what it's all about.

Spinal manipulation has been practiced since the beginning of recorded time. Chinese records from about 2700 BC provide one of the earliest written references to spinal manipulation. Papyrus records kept by the Greeks and dating back to at least 1500 BC, note instructions for manipulating the legs in treating conditions of lower back pain. Records also indicate that the ancient Japanese, Indians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Syrians, Tibetans, and Native Americans practiced soft-tissue manipulation. It is also often related with the concept of homeopathy. This is an alternative medical treatment which revolves around the philosophy of using minimal treatment for a number of ailments. Homeopathy focuses on healing the underlying cause of disease, not simply eliminating the symptoms caused by the disease.

Chiropractic is recognized as a Complimentary Alternative Medicine (CAM) for specific physical conditions. Chiropractic care involves diagnosing spinal misalignments and correcting them by adjusting the spine through manipulation on application of various degrees of pressure. This form of treatment has gained more and more acceptance, even among medical practitioners, because of consistent results.

The more known conditions associated with chiropractic care includes car accident injuries (e.g. whiplash), back injuries, lower back pain, arthritis, herniated discs, and sciatica. These conditions are generally connected with the spine and so, it is only suitable to approach chiropractors for help. Even pregnant women go under prenatal chiropractic care to relieve pregnancy symptoms such as back pain and headaches. This alternative treatment is also believed to further prepare the mother for actual birth by balancing the pelvis to allow the uterus to expand easily as the baby grows inside.

Chiropractic care also serves as post-surgical treatment for spine surgery and other orthopedic-related medical procedures. In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors are also qualified to provide soft tissue manipulation, such as muscle massage and ultrasound stimulation of deep tissue; physical examinations; X rays; counseling on lifestyle and nutritional changes; and counseling on exercises aimed at building flexibility, strength, and overall well-being.

As mentioned above, chiropractic care has also been used to treat chronic ear infections. Pain caused by the infection is the main reason for going to the chiropractor. Ear infection or otitis media accounts for over 35% of all pediatrician visits in the United States. Antibiotics, the usual treatment, are not always effective and may even lead to a recurrence of ear infections. What the chiropractor does is manipulate the cervical vertebrae (near the neck) which will eventually become better aligned. The alignment of this part of the vertebrae has been observed to provide better functioning of the Eustachian tube in the ear. A problem with this part of the inner ear often results to fluid build-up and soon, ear infections. Continuous research on chiropractic's ability to treat chronic ear infections has shown promising results, according to the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics.

Insomnia is another condition which can be managed with the help of alternative medical treatments. Although studies on the relationship of insomnia and chiropractic still has a long way to go, analysis of the relaxing effect of spinal manipulation does pose a very substantial basis for treating poor-quality sleep. Homeopathy is also a commonly recommended option for insomnia.